Yasin Ansari

Patriotically supporting Inter Milan

Category // Interests

As much as a I LOVE soccer, watching & playing it I have to admit I am the kinda spectator that knows teams for their ability and apart from the outstanding players that are totally worth watching like Messi, Eto, Alves and the likes I haven’t really paid much attention to the rest. All this was until last night when I had the opportunity to watch history being made as Barcelona (said like u have a lisp) took on Inter Milan in the 2nd leg of the UEFA champions league semi finals in what for me was by far the most entertaining 96 mins (total of 6 mins extra time from both halves) of the UEFA league.

As gripping and mind blowing as the game was, this blog isn’t about the fact that on the 22nd of May Inter will step to play a final against Bayern Munich in the first final that they have made it to in over 30 years. This blog is about a Kenyan (yes another one but not just anyone) who last night walked onto the field with about 15 mins to go in the game and  not only was I impressed but mighty proud that he stood his ground and played well earning him the right to play for one of the most successful coaches of our time, Jose Mourino.

McDonald Mariga is his name, playing in a number 17 jersey as a midfielder. Watch this guy, he will be remembered as one of the stars from Africa. It is rather sad that the Kenyan government hasn’t yet managed to get beyond their egos, corruption and bureaucratic crap to be able to help an individual develop and realize their true potential. As a Kenyan I can absolutely assure you that if there is a kenyan out there that is making waves, its not with the support and help of his country but his/her pure determination to be the best he can be.

What Mcdonald has done for me is build a soft spot and love for Inter Milan and I am pretty sure that last night, Inter managed to win themselves a whole load of support from Kenyans across the globe. As the spectable drew to an end and the sprinklers were switched on to encourage the Inter team to boycott their celebrations and get off the field, I watched Mr. Mariga shake hands and hug some of the legends of the game. All i can say is that I CANT wait for the 22nd when i will watch Inter Milan do what they have been trying to do for years and more importantly get a glimpse of this midfielder.

Thank you Mr. Mariga for giving me that feeling of being proudly Kenyan.